Topics Covered: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Bhutan, China to schedule boundary discussions:
Context:
Bhutan and China have agreed to hold boundary talks between them “as soon as possible” and discuss a roadmap for expediting the boundary resolution.
- The upcoming talks, the 25th round of the boundary talks mechanism, will be the first since the Doklam standoff in 2017, and the first since China made new claims on Bhutan’s eastern boundary bordering Arunachal Pradesh in June 2020.
Disputed areas:
The talks have thus far focused on two areas of dispute: Pasamlung and Jakarlung valleys to the North of Bhutan and Doklam to the West of Bhutan, along the tri-junction with India. However, at a UN environmental meeting in June 2020, China raised an objection to a grant for Bhutan’s Sakteng Sanctuary to the East frontier as well, saying that it was disputed as well.
Concerns for India:
- China’s new territorial claim is a part of the larger Chinese tactics of putting pressure on India’s smaller neighbours, to punish them for any closeness to India.
- In 2017 China had intruded into Doklam plateau, which is claimed by Bhutan, leading to a standoff between Indian and Chinese Armies.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Locate the following on map: Sakteng, Doklam, Jakarlung, Chumbi valley and Doklam.
- Tri- junction border between India, Bhutan and China.
Mains Link:
Write a note on Doklam Stand-off.
Sources: the Hindu.
